CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – District 18 County Commissioner Jason Knight announced Thursday in a Facebook post that he may be resigning from his seat after a series of events forced his family to move from their home on Broadripple Drive.
“It’s been a pleasure to be your commissioner however as I have always stated I am a regular person with regular issues. As some of you may know due to circumstances beyond my control I was forced to move to an area outside my Commission district and as such there is the possibility of having to vacate my seat on the county,” Knight said in post to his personal Facebook account.
Clarksville Now reached out to Knight, who said his resignation is not official at this time, and that he is working with County Attorney Tim Harvey to come to a decision.
Knight said he and his family had to move after their home had significant fire and flooding damage earlier this year. The family also received “undesirable contents” in their mailbox that gave them some concerns for their safety.
“We’re OK, it’s just a lot of strain with the fire, the flood and the contents. It’s a lot of strain on my family, and I have to do what’s right for them,” said Knight.
Knight, who is also represents Ward 5 on the Clarksville City Council, said he is still renting and residing within his city ward and that his announcement only regards his county seat. Knight said it was important to him to uphold the laws of Montgomery County regarding the residence of elected officials.
“As a commissioner, it’s my job to be open and honest, and have integrity. I want to set that standard,” Knight said. “I just want to do the right thing by my community and my family, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Knight said he expected to make an official announcement regarding his District 18 seat soon.
Knight’s announcement came the same day that City Council member Richard Garrett announced he’s resigning from the council after being sued by the District Attorney’s Office over moving out of his city ward.